Difference Between Clover Honey & Natural Pure Honey

By Jeff Katz

Clover honey is one of the most popular of the more than 300 varieties of honey. Natural \"pure\" honey, according to the National Honey Board, is the \"sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or secretions of living plants\" and nothing else. Clover honey that contains no additives could be considered \"natural pure honey.\"

Honey bees hard at work making honey

Clover Honey

Clover blossoms are the source of clover honey

Clover honey is produced from the nectar of clover blossoms. It is one of the most popular honeys in the United States because of its mild flavor and sweetness, its versatility, and its abundance.

Standards

A bottle of \"pure clover honey\"

When honey is labeled \"pure,\" it means that it has no additives, such as sugar, corn syrup, or flavorings. However, unless it is labeled \"raw,\" it is likely that the honey has been filtered, heated, and even pasteurized before packaging.

Raw vs. Pure

Honey can be pure without being raw. Raw honey is unfiltered, unheated, and unpasteurized.

Organic

Jars of organic honey

In order for honey to be labeled \"organic,\" it must be produced, processed, and packaged in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations on organic products and then given USDA certification.

Examples of \"Non-Pure\" Honey

Many commercial honeys may be \"natural\" and may contain pure honey, but they are not actually considered \"pure honey.\" Examples include dried honey, flavored or fruited honey, infused honey, and honey-flavored syrups.